When Cathy Norton and Cathy McCann, co-owners of Around the Block Quilt Shop, decided to do something to give back to the community, they chose to honor Mother's Day and recognize the moms living in shelters.

The pair has partnered with Two Men and a Truck to collect personal care items for residents living in domestic violence or homeless shelters "that will brighten their day," Norton said. "One of our quilting instructors works for them. She was talking with us, and we thought this would be something we could help support."

Norton and McCann are collecting items such as soaps, hair styling products, shampoos and conditioners, pillows, blankets, slippers and robes at its store, located at 120 Maple St., through Wednesday.

The items will be given to Movers for Moms, a national program that distributes donated articles to women living in shelters, but donations collected locally will be given to local organizations, said Norton.

The shop also is participating in the American Patchwork & Quilting's "1 Million Pillowcase Challenge," and has already donated 90 pillowcases, made by Around the Block Quilt Shop customers. The cause is challenging quilters, sewers and crafters to help reach a goal of donating 1 million pillowcases to local charities.

"We wanted to show our gratitude for everything we have received in our lives by giving back to the community," said Norton, who has owned Around the Block for 15 years with Cathy McCann.

Norton said she and McCann plan to participate in the two collections again next year, due to the strong response of their customers.

"The box is overflowing," Norton said. "We'll take whatever people want to give us."

Around the Block Quilt Shop sells sewing machines and software, and provides a variety of sewing, embroidery and quilting classes for people of all skill levels. For more information, please visit www.aroundtheblockquiltshop.com.